Spike Lee bemoans lack of diversity in Hollywood

Spike Lee has slammed Hollywood for its lack of diversity.

The award-winning film-maker has hit out at the movie industry, arguing it is easier for a black man to become US President than for one to become the head of a film studio or TV network.

Speaking as he received an honorary Oscar at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' seventh annual Governors Awards in Los Angeles, Spike told E! News: "Everybody in here probably voted for (Barack) Obama but when I go to offices, I see no black folks except for the brother man at the security who checks my name off the list as I go into the studio.

"So we can talk 'yabba yabba yabba' but we need to have some serious discussion about diversity and get some flavour up in this. This industry is so behind sports it's ridiculous.

"Honestly, it's easier to be president of the United States than the head of a studio or head of network."

Spike, who directed 'Do the Right Thing' and 'Malcolm X', also urged Hollywood executives to take a closer look at the society they live in.

He said: "I don't know if you noticed but the United States census bureau says by the year 2043, white Americans are going to be the minority in this country.

"And all you people out there in the position of hiring, you better get smart because you'll work for us. Reflect what this country looks like."